The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today that they have signed import linebacker Darnell Bing and import defensive end Chris Ellis to contracts. Financial details of the signings were not released.

Ellis (6’5 – 260 lbs) was a third round pick (72nd overall) by the Buffalo Bills in the 2008 NFL Draft. The 27-year-old Virginia native spent three seasons in Buffalo, seeing action in 15 games during his time with the Bills. Ellis spent a portion of the 2010 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The former Virginia Tech defensive end had an outstanding collegiate career, compiling 165 tackles, 22 sacks, five forced fumbles, two interceptions and two touchdowns during his time with the Hokies. Ellis was named to the First-team All-ACC team following the 2008 season.

Bing (6’2 – 232 lbs) was a fourth round pick (101st overall) by the Oakland Raiders in the 2006 NFL Draft. The 27-year-old California native spent time with Oakland, San Francisco, New York (Jets), Detroit and Houston during his five season in the NFL.

The former USC Safety was a standout with the Trojans during his time in the Pac-10 being named the Sporting News Freshman of the Year in 2003, Sporting News Freshman All-American (’03) and Second Team All-Pac-10 (’04) .

Bing entered the NFL Draft following his Junior season at USC in 2005 after being named First-Team AP All-American and was a Jim Thorpe award finalist as the nation’s best collegiate defensive back.